Christmas with the Tammaros

On Christmas day, we headed to the Tammaro's for Christmas dinner and more gifts. Here are the highlights. There are not many pictures, as by this point I was barely hanging on I was so sick. Getting so sick right at Christmas really upset me, as I was so looking forward to Ben's first Christmas. But you get what you get, and (as Mike reminded me) there will be other Christmases.

After some playing and a nap, Grandma tried to give Ben dinner. He wasn't too interested in eating (still a little sick), but he sure looked cute in his new Christmas bib from Grandma.

Then we headed downstairs for presents. Ben loves to walk around tables, but the glass top on this one had mom pretty nervous.

And of course it was a matter of minutes before he was into the decorations.
Present-opening time was a little choatic. The dogs had to get in on the action, so it was a little crowded.

But there were lots of great toys, books, and clothes from Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Brad, and Aunt Denise. Brad taught Ben how to use a hammer, a good life skill.

Ben picked up another life skill while we were there, he climbed stairs! I don't have a picture, but shortly after we opened presents, he crawled over to the 5 stairs dividing the kitchen and family room and climbed right up them. I was right behind him in case he fell, but he didn't need me. He has shown zero interest in the stairs at home, so I had no idea he already knew how to climb them. Might be time for more baby gates....

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning we gathered "the kids" into the family room to open presents. Santa brought Ben his very own chair, which seems to be quite a hit!

Next it was time to see what Santa left for the kids in their stockings. Dee was very eager, so we let her go first. She got some new toys and treats, so she was a happy camper.

Dad helped Ben open his stocking, which had some books, a pacifier, and some sippy cups.

Next I opened our annual Christmas ornament. I realize I didn't get a good picture of it, but it is a cute one. Ben seemed to like it anyway.

(Sorry if I'm looking a little "rough" in these shots. I was extremely sick with what turned out to be a cold, the flu, and an ear infection all at once. Good times.)

Then Ben got down to some present opening. First, a little people toy from mom and dad.

And lots of great books from Aunt Jaimee, Uncle Jason, Lily, and JJ.

Hungry from all the present opening, Ben took a quick time out to eat a card.

Dad opened our gift from Ben (from daycare), a hand-made card and framed photo collage.

Then it was Ben's turn again. He opened his music table from Aunt Jenn, Uncle Rich, Jack, and Tucker.

Next it was on to our traditional Christmas breakfast of chorizo and egg burritos. I was too busy eating to get any pictures...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Like every year, the Jackson clan got together at Kim's house for Christmas Eve. Right away, Riley (Kim's 3 year-old daughter) wanted to play with Baby Ben, as she calls him. They got out a Christmas toy, which Ben really liked. Unfortunately, Riley did not like that Ben's idea of "playing" is to stick the pieces in his mouth. She kept taking the pieces away from him and running to Kim to wash them because Ben was eating them. There is a little of Grandma Lou's clean-freak in that one I think.
After dinner, it was time for Santa to make his annual visit. We have some very good kids in the family, so Santa visits them personally on Christmas Eve. Here is Ben getting his first glimpse of Santa.
Santa had a few gifts for Ben, but he was not very interested. He wanted down to check out the action, as usual.
After Santa passed out gifts, the kids piled on to his lap. But Ben just wanted to pull Santa's beard, making it rough for poor Carson and Riley. Nothing says Merry Christmas like this picture.
Cheryl tried to tame the beast, but he was not having it. Notice he's already got his sock off. Ben loves nothing more than to pull off his sock and carry it around.
Once down, he found his other love -- the remote control.
He was interested in opening presents for about 2 minutes.

Then he was off to see what kind of trouble he could get into.
Dad tried to keep him occupied and out of the way of the chaos while the other kids opened their gifts and I opened Ben's. He had so many presents. It was a little insane.
After I finished opening his gifts, I tried to keep him busy. That went well. (It takes a brave women to post a photo this unflattering.)
Kenny decided to give it a try. Ben really wanted that beer bottle. He tried and tried. But Kenny wasn't giving up that beer. :-)
We decided Ben was done for the night and it was time for bed. Grandpa tried to say goodnight...
It was quite a Christmas Eve.

halloween

Ben's first Halloween started with a little breakfast, including homemade pumpkin pancakes. Like his mama, Ben does not care for pumpkin nor pancakes. Maybe next year?



Like her daddy, Dee is a huge fan of both!

After breakfast, we played for a bit. Ben is a huge fan of clapping these days, usually for himself or Dee. (Note the shirt, which says "I'm Batty for Mommy." Can you guess who purchased that one for him?)

Once Grandma and Grandpa arrived, Ben got into his costume. He was the cutest little monkey ever. Grandma gave him a huge pumpkin pillow and a pumpkin balloon. He was quite fascinated with the balloon.

Ben got some love from his uncle Brad!

But he doesn't like to be held for long. And once he's down, he's into trouble! But how can you be mad at this face?

Ben loves his wiggly giggler and he loves Dee's water bowl. When you combine those two loves, here is what you get...

The monkey finally found his tail!

As the night wound down, Ben relaxed with the guys. (Yes, that is a couch in front of the basement stairs. We ordered special adapters online to get a gate on to the two banisters, so this is our fix until the adapters arrive.)

After a quick inspection of the pumpkins, Ben said goodbye to his guests and it was bedtime. Can't wait to see next year's antics.